Sir Jeffrey Donaldson arrives in court charged with historical sexual offences

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has appeared in court to face historical sex charges, including one count of rape. The former DUP leader’s wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson also appeared at Newry Magistrates’ Court to face charges in relation to the same police investigation. During a brief hearing, the charges were read to the Lagan Valley MP and his wife as they stood in the dock. Donaldson, 61, faces 11 charges including one of rape, one of committing an act of gross indecency and nine of indecent assault on dates between 1985 and 2006. The offences relate to two alleged victims. His wife, 58, of Dromore, faces charges of aiding and abetting in connection with the alleged offences. Watch more on Independent TV: Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, comm